Television station and associated conventions dedicated to senior citizens and method of operation

ABSTRACT

A television, cable or satellite channel dedicated to issues relevant to senior citizens is disclosed. The content of the channel involves programming on healthcare, politics, insurance and many related seniors&#39; issues. Advertisements are also limited to goods and services directed to seniors. Indeed, one version limits advertisements to the subject matter of the programming during which the advertisement is run. For example, during healthcare programming only healthcare related advertisements are run. Interactive programming is also disclosed. The television channel is also ideal as a conduit providing an avenue for seniors to lodge concerns and complaints. Associated conventions dedicated to issues and concerns of seniors may also be promoted during programming on the channel.

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.11/277,341 Filed Mar. 23, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a television stationfor senior citizens. More particularly, the embodiments relate to atelevision station and associated conventions dedicated to benefitingsenior citizens.

BACKGROUND

All too often senior citizens are forgotten or unattended to by societyand left to fend for themselves. Unfortunately, senior citizens are oneclass of citizens that need more assistance rather than less. Seniorcitizens in the United States now number approximately 40 million. Thisnumber is growing rapidly as the baby boomers reach 65 years old. Inaddition, the numbers of seniors will continue to increase as lifeexpectancy continues to increase.

Senior citizens are provided few advantages based on their age. Socialsecurity, discounts on goods and services and Medicare are the typicalbenefits provided to seniors. However, social security and Medicare areroutinely in flux as the target of possible budget cuts. Clearly,society owes more to its seniors than it currently provides.Fortunately, there are individuals and companies throughout our societythat desire to assist seniors but are unable to get the message toseniors in a routine and consistent manner.

Television is one medium that has burgeoned into a vast-reachingenterprise allowing the masses to entertain and educate themselves.Seemingly there are one or more channels to placate the needs of allsegments of society. Sports channels, cooking channels, news channels,movie channels, animal channels, history channels and cartoon channelsare only a few of the myriad of channels available to cable or satellitesubscribers. To date, there are no channels dedicated to seniors or theproblems and concerns they face.

A senior citizen channel is advantageous for seniors as it provides aroutine and easily located medium offering programming relevant to theissues facing seniors. Moreover, as described in greater detail below,advertisers and content providers benefit by targeting a very large andwealthy segment of society.

It would also be advantageous to arrange routine conventions dedicatedto the senior citizens and their unique interests and concerns. Ideally,the conventions are held annually or semi-annually and are promoted viathe senior citizen channel.

Thus, there is a need for a television station and correspondingconventions dedicated to the issues facing seniors. Moreover, thededicated station can provide interactive capabilities for seniors.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a first method embodiment of the present invention isdirected to operating a dedicated senior citizen channel comprising:developing senior-based content, including entertainment and educationalprogramming; broadcasting the senior-based content over apre-established radio or satellite frequency, or via a wire or cable,said content receivable and displayable by a television set, personalcomputer or hand-held device; providing opportunities for third partiesto place advertisements promoting senior-related goods and serviceswherein the advertisements are specifically related to subject matter ofthe programming during which the advertisements are shown; andbroadcasting promotional and informative content regarding saidconventions dedicated to senior related issues and concerns wherein saidpromotional and informative content is specifically related to subjectmatter of the programming during which the promotional and informativecontent is shown.

The senior-based content may be disseminated via radio or satellitesignals receivable by electronic devices, such as television sets andpersonal computers. The senior-based content may also be disseminatedover conventional cables connected to suitable electronic devices. Theunderlying purpose of the embodiments of the present invention is toprovide a vehicle for senior citizens to passively receive entertainmentprogramming, educational programming and access to goods and services. Asecond purpose is to provide a vehicle for senior citizens to becomeactively involved in the entertainment and education while beingpresented with relevant goods and services.

The convention aspect allows seniors to gather in a common location(e.g., Las Vegas) such that they may interact with other seniors whileinteracting with various vendors providing goods and/or servicesdirected to seniors and their unique interests and concerns.

Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention willbecome evident from the following detailed description, drawings andclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a flow chart detailing one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a programming chart detailing one day of sampleprogramming; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart detailing an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles inaccordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference willnow be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specificlanguage will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless beunderstood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is therebyintended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventivefeature illustrated herein, and any additional applications of theprinciples of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normallyoccur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of thisdisclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the inventionclaimed.

Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred toby like numerals throughout. FIG. 1 shows a flow chart 100 of a firstembodiment of the present invention. Initially, at step 110,senior-based content is developed. Senior-based content can come in anynumber of forms, including entertainment and education programming.Issues relevant to seniors are plentiful and some are disclosed below.Heretofore, senior based content is not available in a single easilyaccessible location. As described below, the embodiments of the presentinvention fulfill this need any many others.

Politics are a serious issue for seniors. Suitable political content mayinclude candidate platforms, voting dates, voting locations and otherpolitical information. In one embodiment, the political information isalso limited to senior-based issues such that seniors are specificallyeducated on the issues of particular relevance to their demographic.Political content may be broader as well. For example, political contentmay include bills and other legislative measures which, if passed, mayimpact directly, or indirectly, seniors and their lifestyle.

Healthcare is arguably the single most important political issue toseniors. Medicare is one aspect of the healthcare system that isparticularly relevant to seniors. The content related to Medicare mayinclude means for securing Medicare, available coverage, procedures forutilizing Medicare and related issues. Importantly, with the newcomplicated Medicare procedures, the content may provide instructionalinformation related to utilizing the same. Programming related toself-insurance, including means for securing self-insurance and scope ofcoverage, is also suitable. Self-insurance provides seniors withalternative and/or better coverage than Medicare alone.

Healthcare programming can be used to educate seniors on relevantdiseases, diagnosis, remedies and prescription drugs. The programmingmay be very detailed thereby providing seniors with means forself-diagnosis. With seniors, early diagnosis is critical to overcomingmedical problems and extending life expectancy. Another aspect ofhealthcare involves programming related to medical doctors, such astheir qualifications, insurance requirements, etc.

Social security content may also be developed in conjunction withhealthcare and Medicare. Social security programming, like Medicareprogramming, can assist seniors with the complexities and benefits andpitfalls of social security. Programming regarding the quality of localnursing homes and related care facilities can also be provided.

Other government agencies, such as the DMV and Veteran's Administration,may facilitate the development of content. For example, the DMV candevelop content designed to assist seniors with renewing driver'slicenses and locating the nearest DMV branch.

Another genre of programming can relate to educating seniors regardingscams and similar offenses which have historically targeted seniors.Entire shows may be dedicated to educating seniors with respect to knownscams and the things to look for to identify new scams. Similarly, theprogramming may be used to educate seniors regarding the downside oflegal risks, like gaming. Low and middle class seniors can be tempted byslot machines and similar gaming devices. Accordingly, a program can bededicated to counseling seniors on the pitfalls to such activities.

Programming related to cooking can be developed to assist seniors withpreparing inexpensive and healthy meals. Such programming can bedeveloped to assist seniors with eating healthy thereby workinghand-in-hand with the healthcare content.

Social programming is another invaluable service that may be presentedvia the embodiments of the present invention. Social programming canadvise seniors of dates and times for singles gatherings, lessons witharts and crafts, game play (e.g., bridge and bingo), etc.

Sitcoms, movies, game shows and similar theatrical material of theappropriate subject matter may provide a foundation for seniorentertainment content.

Programming can be based on any desired or suitable senior content suchas available housing, employment, volunteer opportunities, exercise andhygiene. Such a dedicated channel is ideal for seniors. Seniors areoften immobile and unskilled with computers so that a dedicatedtelevision channel provides a natural medium to which a majority ofseniors have access. Programming of particular relevance can be taped orotherwise stored for later viewing by seniors.

To enhance the experience for seniors, at step 120, advertising contentcommensurate with the entertainment and education programming isdeveloped. Advertisements are predicated on benefiting seniors bypresenting goods and services especially useful for seniors.Advertisements for goods may promote medicines, food and clothingattractive for seniors. Advertisements for services may promote taxpreparation, healthcare, insurance and related services. Indeed, thegoods and services which may be promoted are limitless as long as theyare useful to the seniors. Given the constraints of mobility of seniors,preferably, the advertisements are related to local providers of goodsand services. In other words, while some advertisements may be nationalin scope, a majority of the advertisements should be local in nature toallow the viewing seniors to take first hand advantage of the same.

In one embodiment, as shown at 150, the advertisements relate to theprogramming being disseminated. That is, during healthcare programming,only healthcare advertisements are shown. In this manner, seniors areable to determine in a convenient fashion when advertisements ofinterest will be aired. Such an embodiment permits seniors to develop aprogramming schedule of particular relevance to their needs. Thisembodiment is also beneficial to the advertisers since they are able totarget a very specific demographic. No such system is currentlyemployed. While advertisers currently attempt to target certaindemographics based on programming, they do it in an inexact manner. Forexample, during soap operas, advertisements typically target femalesbecause females are more likely than males to watch soap operas.However, there is no assurance that the females will be interested inthe products or services being advertised. Contrarily, this embodimentof the present invention provides advertisers with greater certainty asthe viewers are watching programming directly related to the advertisedproduct or service. Thus, the advertiser knows in advance that theviewers are interested in the premise or concept of the product orservice.

At step 130, interactive programming is developed. Interactiveprogramming consists of programming designed to allow seniors toparticipate, at some level, in the programming. In one example, a liveshow targeting seniors is produced and filmed for live or taped airingat a local facility frequented by seniors. A casino, bingo hall orsimilar facilities are suitable choices. Such facilities cater toseniors and will benefit financially by attracting large numbers ofseniors to watch and participate in the programming depending on theprogramming content. Specifically, a talk show dedicated to seniors maybe taped in a local casino allowing seniors to form an audience andallowing the casino to increase foot traffic.

Further interactive programming provides an avenue for seniors toutilize the channel as a conduit to express concerns or complaints. Tollfree numbers provided during various programs allow seniors to contactlive operators to express concerns or complaints, typically related tothe programming during which the toll free number is distributed. In oneexample, seniors are able to contact a toll free number regardingMedicare issues, such as double billing. Personnel at the channel maythen pass on the information to the corresponding state and/or federalgovernment agency. Thus, the channel acts like a go between such thatseniors do not have to waste time or energy maneuvering throughconventional, inefficient methods of contacting the agency directly. Inthis manner, the government or other entities benefit directly from thereporting provided by the seniors. Any industry interested in receivingunbiased customer feedback can utilize the senior channel to collectsenior feedback via the channel.

At step 140, programming is broadcast, via wired and/or wireless means,to television sets and other electronic devices. The programming can bereceived by computers, cell phones, personal digital assistants andsimilar hand-held devices. In one embodiment, senior-based content,selected by the senior, is routinely e-mailed or transmitted in textand/or video format to electronic devices possessed by the senior. Forexample, a senior may select Medicare updates. As a result, the seniorreceives Medicare updates via e-mail or other transmission to thesenior's selected devices. This embodiment allows the senior to easilyreceive relevant information without having to conduct Internetsearches, sift through written documents or otherwise attempt to locatethe relevant information. The information may also be mailed for thoseseniors who do not own a computer of are not computer savvy.

Money-raising promotions directed at seniors may also be advertisedand/or disseminated over the channel airing the senior-based content.Such promotions are ideally operated by seniors for seniors. Promotionsmay be based on golf outings, bake sales and the like. The promotionsmay be designated for specific geographic regions, classes of seniors orgeneral senior charities. In this manner, seniors are able toparticipate in fund-raising activities or learn of how to benefit fromthe fund-raising efforts of others.

FIG. 2 shows a proposed programming schedule 200 for a single day. Asdetailed herein, the content is directed to seniors. While the schedule200 depicts 24 hour programming, programming during low peak hours (1:00am-4:00 am) may include reruns or infomercials pitching products usefulto seniors. The channel may also be down during the no-peak hours suchthat no programming is shown.

Since programming consists of subject matter pertinent to the needs ofseniors on an ongoing basis, current events and other vital informationhappening on a day-to-day basis may also create the need for a fluidprogramming schedule that contains operating changes and additions asrequired. In other words, although a programming schedule is set, it issubject to change should important senior information becomes available.

FIG. 3 shows a flow chart 300 detailing another embodiment of thepresent invention whereby at 160 one or more conventions tailored toissues and concerns of seniors are promoted on or via the seniorchannel. In this manner, seniors are assured of becoming aware of theconvention and the vendors that will be in attendance. Promotions areused to encourage senior attendance based on the vendors and functionsbeing organized at the convention. Otherwise, without the senior channelpromotions many seniors may never know that a convention dedicated tosenior issues and concerns was taking place. That is, many seniors arenot computer savvy and would thus fail to learn of the convention viathe Internet. Also, many seniors view traditional mail with someskepticism as many scams directed at seniors are undertaken via mail.Consequently, with the method disclosed herein seniors are able togather accurate and believable content regarding the convention.

Like above, at 170 it is also advantageous to promote certain features(e.g., vendors, goods or services) during specific programming relatedthereto. For example, if a vendor dedicated to selling life insurance iscommitted to being at the convention, a promotional ad regarding thevendor may be aired during a televised show dedicated to life insurancefor seniors. Therefore, the vendor selling life insurance is sure totarget the specific demographic of interest. Similarly, those seniorsinterested in life insurance are more likely to become aware of that aconvention for seniors is being held at a specified time and location.Information may also be transmitted to seniors via e-mail or textmessage or with known methodologies.

The conventions may take place annually or semi-annually in anylocation, including Las Vegas, Orlando or Phoenix. Internationaldestinations may also be utilized to host the conventions. Theconventions are dedicated to providing information, goods and servicesthat are of specific interest to seniors. In addition, the conventionsprovide an ideal retreat for seniors to get together to tackle similarconcerns, address similar issues or just discuss issues they have incommon. The conventions are also used to promote the television station.For example, besides advertisements displayed at the conventionlocation, the television station retains a booth and mans it with staffable to explain the television station to attendees.

By combining the television station and convention, seniors arebenefited tremendously, because they like no other demographic, are morelikely to find it difficult to digest the vast amounts of informationthat we are inundated with on a daily basis. Gathering and disseminatingsenior information via a television station and associated conventionsis an ideal platform to target seniors. Moreover, convention attendeeregistrations provides data that is used to better define the interestsand concerns of seniors by race, creed, gender, age, etc. Based on thecollected data, the television show programming and the conventiontopics can be adjusted to better fit the interests and concerns of theseniors.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference toseveral embodiments, additional variations and modifications existwithin the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined inthe following claims.

1. A method of operating a dedicated senior citizen channel comprising:developing senior-based content, including entertainment and educationalprogramming; broadcasting the senior-based content over apre-established radio or satellite frequency, or via a cable, saidcontent receivable and displayable by a television set, computer orhand-held device; providing opportunities for third parties to placeadvertisements promoting senior-related goods and services wherein theadvertisements are specifically related to subject matter of theprogramming during which the advertisements are shown; and broadcastingpromotional and informative content regarding associated conventionsdedicated to senior related issues and concerns wherein said promotionaland informative content is specifically related to subject matter of theprogramming during which the promotional and informative content isshown.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising disseminatingsenior-based content related to healthcare, politics, housing,governmental agencies, cooking and social activities.
 3. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising disseminating senior-based content comprisingsitcoms, game shows and movies.
 4. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising providing interactive programming.
 5. The method of claim 1further comprising disseminating senior-based content via mail and/ore-mail.
 6. The method of claim 5 further comprising providing means forseniors to dictate the subject matter of the mail and/or e-mail.
 7. Themethod of claim 5 further comprising providing the e-mails via a wiredand/or wireless system.
 8. A method of operating a dedicated seniorcitizen channel comprising; developing senior-based content, includingentertainment and educational programming; broadcasting the senior-basedcontent over a pre-established radio or satellite frequency, or via acable, said content receivable and displayable by a television set,computer or hand-held device; providing interactive senior-basedcontent; providing opportunities for third parties to placeadvertisements promoting senior-related goods and services wherein theadvertisements are specifically related to subject matter of theprogramming during which the advertisements are shown; arrangingconventions dedicated to issues and concerns or seniors; andbroadcasting promotional and informative content regarding saidconventions wherein said promotional and informative content isspecifically related to subject matter of the programming during whichthe promotional and informative content is shown.
 9. The method of claim8 further comprising disseminating senior-based content related tohealthcare, politics, housing, governmental agencies, cooking and socialactivities.
 10. The method of claim 8 further comprising disseminatingsenior-based content comprising sitcoms, game shows and movies.
 11. Themethod of claim 8 further comprising disseminating senior-based contentvia mail and/or e-mail.
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprisingproviding means for seniors to select the subject matter of receivedmail and/or e-mail.
 13. The method of claim 11 further comprisingdisseminating the e-mails via wired and/or wireless networks.
 14. Amethod of operating a dedicated senior citizen channel comprising;developing senior-based content, including entertainment and educationalprogramming; broadcasting the senior-based content over apre-established radio or satellite frequency, or via a cable, saidcontent receivable and displayable by a television set, computer orhand-held device; providing opportunities for third parties to placeadvertisements promoting senior-related goods and services wherein theadvertisements are specifically related to subject matter of theprogramming during which the advertisements are shown; broadcastingpromotional and informative content regarding associated conventionsdedicated to senior related issues and concerns wherein said promotionaland informative content is specifically related to subject matter of theprogramming during which the promotional and informative content isshown. disseminating senior-based content, including the promotional andinformative content regarding the conventions, via mail and/or e-mail.15. The method of claim 14 further comprising disseminating senior-basedcontent related to healthcare, politics, housing, governmental agencies,cooking and social activities.
 16. The method of claim 14 furthercomprising disseminating senior-based content comprising sitcoms, gameshows and movies.
 17. The method of claim 1 further comprising providinginteractive programming.
 18. The method of claim 14 further comprisingproviding means for seniors to dictate the subject matter of the mailand/or e-mail.
 19. The method of claim 14 further comprising providingthe e-mails via a wired and/or wireless system.